Drive Rally, stylised as #DRIVE Rally, has finally exited its arduous Steam Early Access period with a 1.0 update that introduces three iconic rally cars, 22 race stages, improved progression, and a tempting launch discount.
Gaming Launch Software Windows Linux / Unix
The world of rally racing games is sort of split into two categories: Games like DiRT Rally 2.0, which appeal to hardcore racing sim fans looking for a realistic experience, and games like Dirt 5, which are more about all-out carnage and having fun than anything else. Surprisingly, Drive Rally seems to fall somewhere in-between these two, although skewing strongly towards the latter.
Unlike many accurate racing simulation games, Drive Rally more aims to celebrate the nostalgia and style of old-school rally racing, with charming flat-shaded 3D graphics and arcade gameplay to boot. Despite not taking itself too seriously, Drive Rally has a lot to offer, especially for a game that comes in at under $20 on Steam (now $13.99, thanks to a 1.0 launch discount).
Despite its unserious gameplay and at-times whimsical humour, Drive Rally is surprisingly feature-rich, with six separate driving teams — each with its own set of tracks and maps — a party mode for up to 12 players, 22 legendary rally cars with a customisation system, and support for various game controllers and racing wheels. Each rally team also comes with its own co-driver, who both provides you with turn call-outs and fun quips when you inevitably wipe out on a corner.
In keeping with the '90s theme, Drive Rally has a unique visual style that blends low-poly and flat shading with a touch of voxel art to deliver a fun nostalgic look. The 1.0 update also added a free-roam mode, in which players will find a host of collectibles and Easter eggs.
#DRIVE Rally 1.0 launch update changes
Drive Rally has been in Steam Early Access for several months before it finally launched as a 1.0 game, and the developer has seemingly used that time to listen to feedback and introduce new content, features, and gameplay fixes for the community. The new features are listed as:
- Unique sound effects for every car in the game.
- Added new map: Tofuyama with 24 normal and 24 reversed rally stages.
- Added new co-pilot: Yoshiro
- Added new team and championships: DejaVu Repairs
- Added Party Mode (Hot Seat local multiplayer for up to 12 players).
- Added 3 new cars in 3 classes each.
- Added 5 new interior collectibles.
- Added 7 collectible letters on the Tofuyama map.
- Added 4 new achievements.
- Added new environment sound effects to all locations.
- Updated dirt and drift sound effects.
- All Global Leaderboards have been reset.
Aside from the aforementioned new content to keep gamers entertained, with the launch of Drive Rally 1.0, the developer has introduced a slew of changes aimed at addressing some common quality-of-life complaints. These include improvements to the co-driver voice-overs, customisable steering curves for game pad and keyboard users, texture optimisations, and improved support for gaming steering wheels and game pads.
The hardware requirements for Drive Rally are also minimal, and it has Steam Deck Verified status, so it should not be a challenge to run on something like a Lenovo Legion Go (curr. $649.99 at Best Buy).
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Julian van der Merwe - Senior News Writer - 1105 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2022
A lifelong techie with a love for open-source and an irresistible urge for tinkering and cracking stuff open to see how it ticks. Julian covers anything tech-related but has a particular fascination with mechanical keyboards, gaming, and quirky camera gear. With background in industrial design, Julian is familiar with the ins and outs of ergonomics, manufacturing, and materials, and he firmly believes that any tech not designed for people shouldn't exist.
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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2025 04 > Arcade rally game with charming retro looks gets full Steam release with slew of upgrades and nifty launch discount
Julian van der Merwe,2025-04-17(Update:2025-04-19)
